Originally published on LinkedIn. KeyBank ranked No. 23 on The Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list in 2021.
We’re working to create stronger communities together. As part of our $40 billion Community Benefits Plan, the KeyBank Foundation donated $100,000 to Connecticut Association for Human Services to help make banking resources available to formerly incarcerated citizens in greater Hartford, Connecticut. CAHS Returning Citizens (CRC) reentry program will provide banking and financial literacy resources to citizens re-entering society. Through this grant, every returning citizen served at Hartford’s Reentry Welcome Center will have access to:
- Free tax preparation
- Financial education workshops
- The ability to open a Bank On certified account with a local financial institution
“The critical importance of accessible and affordable bank accounts cannot be underestimated for individuals reentering society from the penal system,” Takima Robinson, Director of Asset Building Programs for CAHS, told 3BL Media. “Research shows that financial capability services have a positive effect on reentry success by addressing racial financial inequity and reducing a tendency to recidivism. We are grateful to KeyBank for sharing our vision to combat poverty and advance economic security to reentry citizens and all unbanked and underbanked populations throughout the greater Hartford area.”
KeyBank’s grant will provide funding to a two-year pilot program with Community Partners in Action (CPA). The program anticipates 150 returning citizens to be served within the first year.
“As a community-minded bank, Key is committed to providing access to financial services and support to neighborhoods and neighbors who have often faced unfair financial barriers,” said KeyBank’s Connecticut and Massachusetts Market President, James Barger. “Self-sufficiency and financial stability for at-risk populations is predicated on access to quality banking services and financial education, and we are proud to partner with CAHS to make these services available in our community.”
